Logo of the Queer Heritage Initiative of New Brunswick with purple flowers and text in both English and French.

Preserving & sharing 2SLGBTQIA+ history

in New Brunswick through archival collections and community education.

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Kelly Baker, 2026

FEATURE HEROES

Leonard “Len” Olive Keith & Joseph Austin “Cub” Coates

Leonard “Len” Olive Keith begins documenting his relationship with boyfriend Joseph Austin “Cub” Coates by taking photos of their relationship and adventures around the rural village of  Havelock, Kings County. These become the oldest known photographic documentation of a same-sex relationship in Atlantic Canada.

Black and white photograph of two young men sitting next to each other, both wearing light-colored shirts, with serious expressions, one with arm around the other's shoulder.
Abstract pink and black circular swirl pattern on a black background.

FEATURE COLLECTION ITEM

Telegraph Journal, June 14, 2003

On July 26th, Saint John holds its first Pride Parade organized by the Port City Rainbow Pride Committee, which included Danny Jardine, Wayne Harrison and ally, Judith Meinart. The parade was held following homophobic comments made by Saint John-Rothsay MP, Elise Wayne regarding marriage equality.

Black and white photo of two young men and one young woman standing together. The young woman is holding a protest sign that reads 'PUT AN END TO HATE-BASED ASSAULTS VALUE ALL FAMILIES RESPECT EVERYONE'S RIGHTS.' The young men are dressed in casual clothing, and the young woman is wearing a striped shirt and sandals. They are standing indoors, possibly in an office or hallway.
Numerous small, irregularly shaped orange blobs scattered across a black background.
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Timeline of Queer History in New Brunswick and Canada

 Created by Meredith J. Batt, Adam Schwartz, Alex Harris, Jonathan McDonald and Antoinette Lister.

This timeline is a general overview of 2SLGBTQ+ history in New Brunswick and is not definitive.

 Think something should be added?

We always welcome suggestions and corrections so that we can share our community’s diverse history!

From dance posters to diaries, your keepsakes could help tell the story of 2SLGBTQ+ life in New Brunswick. If you have materials to share, we’d love to hear from you.

Have a Piece of Queer History?

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